Top 5 Unusual Cars in 2016

Despite being Britain’s most popular car, not everybody drives a Ford Focus.

There are some cars that could be referred to as ‘unconventional’ currently being driven on Britain’s roads. ALA GAP Insurance have compiled this list of the Top 5 most unusual cars with GAP.

Fiat Abarth 595 Competizione

The Abarth 595 Competizione is effectively a suped-up version of the more well-known Fiat 500. It has 180 horsepower and can go from 0-62mph in just 6.7 seconds – impressive for such a small vehicle. With racing-esque seats by Sabelt (who used to supply the Ferrari F1 team) as standard, a lowered sports suspension and Garrett turbo incorporated into the engine, the 595 Competizione is an attempt to squeeze a sports car into a hatchback form.

Additionally, the driver of a Competizione (as well as of the standard 595 model) has access to a touchscreen system, containing integrated steering wheel commands and the ability to access applications like Facebook and Twitter directly from the on-board system. Overall, the Abarth combines up-to-date tech with a racing specification – all packed into a tiny micro car.

Tesla Model S

From Elon Musk’s Tesla Motors, the Tesla Model S is a car unlike most on the roads today; fully electric like all Tesla cars, and able to travel anywhere from 181-444 miles between charges. The Model S also comes with an almost staggering number of bells and whistles, out-shining most of the competition. Of particular note, is a self-described ‘Bio-Weapon Defence Mode’. Despite sounding like something out of a Mad Max film, this feature is the Model S’ name for its air filtration system, which “removes at least 99.97% of particulate exhaust pollution and effectively all allergens, bacteria and other contaminants from cabin air”.

Even more elaborate features include an Autopilot that allows the Model S to steer, accelerate, break and change lanes without input from the driver. Recent updates include a ‘Ludicrous Mode’ that takes it from 0-60mph in a stunning 2.5 seconds and therefore the “third fastest accelerating production car ever produced”. Not your run-of-the-mill family saloon, then.

Range Rover Evoque HSE Dynamic Convertible

At first glance, the Range Rover Evoque HSE might look like your typical Range Rover, with its striking lines and muscular body design. However, unlike more standard Range Rovers, the Evoque HSE Dynamic and the HSE Dynamic Lux include a particularly unusual feature – they are also convertibles. Described as the “world’s first premium compact convertible SUV, the Evoque HSE Dynamic’s acoustic insulated Z-folding roof can fully retract in 18 seconds at speeds of up to 30mph. With additional stylish features such as a heads-up display (HUD), Wade Sensing and All-Terrain Progress Control technologies available as custom options, drivers can go on off-road adventures whilst still having the wind in their hair, something impossible to find elsewhere on the market.

BMW I8

With the plug-in hybrid BMW i8’s initial delivery in 2014, BMW became one of the first mainstream car manufacturers to introduce electric cars into a market. Being a plug-in hybrid BMW amongst the sheer multitude of traditional petrol-driven BMWs on the roads is already enough to make the BMW i8 stand out as an unusual car.

The i8 flaunts a series of technological conveniences such as its own app that allows the owner to lock the car, check its location and charge and even set the internal cabin temperature before entering it – all from their smartphone. The car itself is also remarkably intelligent, with its BMW Teleservices technology allowing the i8 to communicate directly with the driver or a BMW i Agent to notify them of any necessary maintenance issues.

McLaren 570S

Just the name ‘McLaren’ should speak for itself. The only one of its kind on our GAP list – the McLaren 570S is not a car many would expect to see on their drive to work. The 580s is a purpose-built weapon, with the ability to reach 62mph in a mere 3.2 seconds and 124mph in 9.5 seconds. Such speed and power is owed in part to the 570S’ carbon fibre construction – a feature shared with its Formula 1 and supercar cousins – that weighs only 75kg on the 570S. The 570S even has McLaren Track Telemetry technology installed which not only displays vehicle data but also lap and track times, with an addable option of three track cameras for front and rear views to provide further analysis. Quite how useful this technology is on Britain’s roads perhaps remains to be seen, but it helps to make the 570S possibly the most unusual car on our list.